Drive Beyond Horizons entered Early Access on 24 March 2025, published by Tacty Studio and Santor Games, and it asks whether you can keep a rusted car alive on an endless procedurally generated road. You start at Home with a barely running Dada, scavenge parts from 24 documented points of interest, and manage fuel, oil, radiator water, hunger and thirst at the same time. Up to four players can share the road in online co-op.
Choosing the right build shapes your entire experience. This guide breaks down every option: what they're good at, what they struggle with, and which one matches your playstyle. For optimized builds with full gear sets, see our builds guide.
Quick Comparison
| Build | Tier | Playstyle | Best Equipment | Beginner Friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dada | A | Balanced | I4 Petrol Engine | Yes |
| Musgoat | A | Balanced | V8 Petrol Engine | Yes |
| Poyopa | A | Balanced | Flat 6 Engine | Yes |
| TriClops | A | Balanced | Turbocharger | Yes |
| Bonphiac | A | Balanced | Radiator | Yes |
New player? Start with Musgoat. See our beginner's guide for why.
Dada
Dada is a strong option in Drive Beyond Horizons.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | I4 Petrol Engine |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Part by part vehicle assembly |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with I4 Petrol Engine
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Home to learn Dada-specific mechanics
- Focus on Part by part vehicle assembly. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize I4 Petrol Engine as your first major upgrade
- See our full Dada build guide for the optimal gear progression
Musgoat
Musgoat is a strong option in Drive Beyond Horizons.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | V8 Petrol Engine |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Fuel and fluid upkeep |
Strengths
- Most versatile, adapts to any situation
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with V8 Petrol Engine
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Home to learn Musgoat-specific mechanics
- Focus on Fuel and fluid upkeep. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize V8 Petrol Engine as your first major upgrade
- See our full Musgoat build guide for the optimal gear progression
Poyopa
Poyopa is a strong option in Drive Beyond Horizons.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Flat 6 Engine |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Procedural road and points of interest |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Flat 6 Engine
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Home to learn Poyopa-specific mechanics
- Focus on Procedural road and points of interest. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Flat 6 Engine as your first major upgrade
- See our full Poyopa build guide for the optimal gear progression
TriClops
TriClops is a strong option in Drive Beyond Horizons.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Turbocharger |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Hunger and thirst meters |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Turbocharger
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Home to learn TriClops-specific mechanics
- Focus on Hunger and thirst meters. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Turbocharger as your first major upgrade
- See our full TriClops build guide for the optimal gear progression
Bonphiac
Bonphiac is a strong option in Drive Beyond Horizons.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Radiator |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Road hazards and enemies |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Radiator
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Home to learn Bonphiac-specific mechanics
- Focus on Road hazards and enemies. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Radiator as your first major upgrade
- See our full Bonphiac build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Build Should You Pick?
For Beginners
Musgoat is the clear winner. It's forgiving, teaches core mechanics, and remains competitive into endgame. Follow our beginner's guide for the best first-session experience.
For Maximum Performance
Dada is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with I4 Petrol Engine for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Bonphiac offers the highest skill ceiling. It's punishing when misplayed but incredibly rewarding when mastered. Only recommended after you've completed the game with another build.
For Group Play
TriClops shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More Drive Beyond Horizons Guides
- Drive Beyond Horizons Drive Beyond Horizons Overview
- Drive Beyond Horizons Best Builds
- Drive Beyond Horizons Tier List
- Drive Beyond Horizons Walkthrough
- Drive Beyond Horizons Beginner's Guide
- Drive Beyond Horizons Tips & Tricks
- Drive Beyond Horizons Weapons Guide
- Drive Beyond Horizons Combat Guide
- Drive Beyond Horizons Boss Guide
- Drive Beyond Horizons Maps & Locations
- Drive Beyond Horizons Crafting Guide
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- VRChat Classes Guide: sandbox game with similar mechanics
- Garry's Mod Classes Guide: sandbox game with similar mechanics
